• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Melissa Galt

Interior Design Business Coach

  • Meet Melissa
  • Work with Me
  • PODCAST
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact

Small Business Development: 5 Key Questions to Experience Business Naked (not what you think)

Despite technological advances, business today is still, and will always be, about person to person, and relationships.  Whether you are connecting by voice to voice, face to face, or keyboard to keyboard, it’s about building trusted relationships that allow your business to deliver the goods and services your clients count on. While being authentic and transparent has become overused, it is the essence of creating a unique competitive edge.

The more personable someone is, the easier they are to remember. The more unique your interaction, the more likely they’ll stay top of mind. So what are you doing to be memorable and unique? It’s not as hard as it sounds, in fact the easiest way of all is to simply do business naked!

Yes, you did read that correctly. Let me explain. The key is to do business as the whole, incredible, one-of-a-kind individual whom you are. That’s right, no masks, no pretext, no hats to wear, just be yourself. It’s your ultimate competitive advantage and the only one that no one else can duplicate. No one can be YOU better than you!

Allow your enthusiasm, your experience, your excitement, your education, your expertise and your excellence to come shining through in every interaction. Relinquish the tendency to be who you think you should be and just be yourself, get naked in business. To help you in this process, answer these 5 key questions …

Leadership, Business Naked, Business Motivational Speaker, Authentic in Business, Being Transparent in Business, Uncovering Your Why, How to Be Who You Are, Social Media Marketing Speaker
Are you baring it all in business?

Why are you in business?
Perhaps the best well known expert on this topic is Simon Sinek who has defined the why of Apple and other major corporations. And, guess what, it wasn’t to make money. In fact, if money is your why, go deeper. What do you want the money for? Your why is what drives you to create your business, to develop products and services, to cater to your market, to get up before dawn, to work past dark, to deliver not just brain equity in your business but the inevitable sweat equity it takes to get you to the top. Your why is what will have you working 15 hours a day, 6 days a week because you absolutely love it and have the greatest clients in the world.

Uncover your why!

Who are you in business?
One of the reasons most of us become entrepreneurs is because we want the freedom to be ourselves in our business and deliver who we are as part of the promise we make to clients and customers. The challenge is maintaining and even leveraging this in the face of the constant pressure to succeed, to compete, and to model ourselves after those who have gone before use.

Hogwash!  It is all too easy to fall into that place of being one personality in your business and another at home. As you start to separate, you lose the magic you started with and your ultimate competitive advantage gets buried beneath mediocrity. No one can be you, but you can be like everyone else when you lose sight of yourself, your dream, your talent, your uniqueness, and more.

Strip away the masks and be yourself!

How do you humanize your business?
Business is not about business, it is about people. And the businesses that go farther the fastest never lose sight of the people factor.  In fact, they create cult like followings in many cases or as marketing legend Seth Godin says, they build TRIBES.  Southwest Airlines is a great example of this, they have a reputation for being fun in flight, they have a unique brand that marries efficiency with humor. It starts at the top with their CEO and is pervasive in every employee. It capitalizes on the sense of humor in each person and allows them to bring their funny side to work.

How can you bring your funny side to work? How can you make business enjoyable? Even in the most serious of endeavors, how can the value you bring, provide that smile of relief, that sigh of satisfaction, that feeling from your customer of “wow, I am so glad I do business with you.”

Bare your humanity!

Leadership, Business Naked, Business Motivational Speaker, Authentic in Business, Being Transparent in Business, Uncovering Your Why, How to Be Who You Are, Social Media Marketing Speaker
Reveal Yourself in Business

What is your language of uniqueness?
If you are a big sports fan, it might be easy for you to speak in metaphors of sports, using language like “coach,” “team,” “first down,” “touchdown,” and the like. Bringing your own language into your business puts a personal and memorable stamp on your interactions. It also features your inherent interests, hobbies, and passions. It brings you more fully into your business instead of leaving those parts and pieces for the rest of your life.

As a recovering interior designer, I often use the language of design in my consulting and speaking practice. My voice mail invites callers to have a well designed day. I build my clients support systems for success, and decorate their lives with rewards and results. It’s language that is not only second nature to me, but makes sense to them (thanks HGTV!)

Reveal yourself in your word choices.

What is your signature style?
Larry Winget, better known to many as the “Pitbull of Personal Development,” is a speaker and author of five NYTimes best sellers. His signature style is hand crafted cowboy boots in all manner of color, jeans, a colorful cowboy shirt, hand embroidered, and masses of silver rings and a belt buckle all with skull and cross bones motifs. He stands out!

Legendary marketing guru, Scott Stratton, known as the Unmarketer, always shows up to speak, no matter who the audience is, in jeans and a t-shirt. That is an integral part of who Scott is and in today’s social age, it is important for his market to see him as he is, instead of costumed as society might dictate.

Now, that may not be your style or anywhere close, another colleague is known in networking circles as “the hat lady.” She is always distinctive in a gorgeous hat. How you look to people is a reflection of who you are, when you take the time to make it stand out, you will be infinitely more memorable. Reinforcing your image with a signature style will also boost your confidence.

Strip away the ordinary and usual to stand out from the crowd!

The bottom line of “business naked” is being yourself. It is first and foremost about leading with your genuine, authentic personality. And about boosting that personality into character so that you are recognized easily and instantly as someone worth getting to know, like, and trust to do business with. Are you willing to get naked to realize more success in your business? Are you willing to put yourself on the line and ditch the masks, the motifs, and the must haves?

COMMENT BELOW! Tell me how you are doing Business Naked, or what changes you will make to strip away the masks you have been wearing and reveal your true competitive advantage. YOU!

Filed Under: Best Business Practices, Developing Your Brand, Marketing Strategies, Success Habits Tagged With: Business Development, Developing Your Brand, Success Habits

Previous
Next

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate Edgar says

    November 11, 2013 at 5:04 pm

    So true! Nothing’s genuine about doing business wearing a mask, or two, or three. Think about how you feel when a business owner is blatantly trying to be someone, or some thing they aren’t, just to score sales. Ick! Doesn’t work. The naked truth’s best; sincere to the core, imperfect as we all are, generous and then some, innovative as you want to be.

    Reply
  2. Brandonnardy says

    June 28, 2023 at 2:24 am

    meclizinexcom

    Reply
  3. meclizinel says

    June 30, 2023 at 5:30 pm

    buy meclizine

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar


I’m Melissa!

Tough-love Business Coach. Marketing Magician. Inner Imposter Buster. Cocktail Connoisseur. And Queen Of Unpopular Opinions.

TELL ME MORE

Search the blog

Crowd Faves

How to Find the Best Interior Design Business Coach for You

Outsourcing is the answer to ditching deadly distractions when you want to grow your interior design practice.

7 Deadly Distractions Stopping Your Interior Design Business Growth

6 Ways to Calculate Interior Design Fees with Transparency

Recent Posts

  • 053: Unlocking Business Growth with Effective Design Contracts: An In-depth Guide
  • Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take The Lead!
  • 052: What To Do When Inquiries Aren’t Coming In
  • Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow
  • 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead

Recent Comments

  1. Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take The Lead! | Melissa Galt on 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
  2. Lori LaRochelle on 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
  3. Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow | Melissa Galt on 050: Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow
  4. Get Your Team to Get More Done | Melissa Galt on 049: Get Your Team to Get More Done
  5. Your Permission Slip to Play (for More Profit) | Melissa Galt on 048: Your Permission Slip to Play (for More Profit)

Archives

  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • April 2017
  • November 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • March 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • December 2007
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007
  • May 2007
  • April 2007
  • March 2007
  • February 2007
  • January 2007
  • December 2006
  • November 2006
  • October 2006
  • September 2006
  • August 2006
  • July 2006
  • June 2006
  • May 2006
  • April 2006
  • March 2006
  • February 2006
  • January 2006
  • December 2005
  • November 2005
  • October 2005
  • September 2005
  • July 2005
  • May 2005
  • April 2005
  • January 2005

Categories

  • Affluent Creative Articles
  • Best Business Practices
  • Business Development
  • Client Acquisition
  • Content Creation
  • Conversion Strategies
  • Customer Service
  • Developing Your Brand
  • Facebook Marketing
  • Gratitude
  • Instagram Marketing
  • Life/Work Balance
  • LinkedIn Marketing
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Melissa Galt
  • Mentoring
  • Mindset
  • Motivation
  • My Life's Adventures
  • Naked Marketing ~ Authentic Marketing
  • Podcast Episodes
  • Popular Posts
  • Prosperity Mindset
  • Public Relations Marketing
  • Referral Marketing
  • Retail Marketing Strategy
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Success Habits
  • Time Management
  • Twitter Marketing
  • Website Design & Marketing

Footer

GET MORE OF MELISSA, ON THE PODCAST!

Subscribe to the podcast, “The Affluent Creative,” and get the best in smart systems, proven processes, and the right strategies and resources to take your design practice to the next level.

START LISTENING

LET’S GET SOCIAL

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

FREE RESOURCES TO SCALE YOUR BUSINESS

SUCCESS GUIDES, RESOURCES, TOOLS & EVENTS TO GROW YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS

DOWNLOAD >>

➡️ When it comes to crafting project agreement ➡️ When it comes to crafting project agreements with clients, I want you and your bottom line protected. 

I also want you to have peace of mind with every single client, and I want your clients to feel confident about working with you. 
This security can be provided with the right letter of agreement. 

🎙️So today, I am diving into how to craft a clear and cohesive letter of agreement that will provide the protection and clarity needed for a great working relationship with your clients.

Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#designcontract #letterofagreement 
#interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #successcoaching #successbydesign #bestpodcast #podcastrecommendation #designinfluencer #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #commercialdesigner #residentialdesigner #creativebusinesscoach #instapodcasts #interiordesignbusinessmentor #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignerlife❤️
The right letter of agreement will outline✍️al The right letter of agreement will outline✍️all stipulations, clauses, and information that you and your client need to set up a positive and professional project timeline. 

✅ Having one is so crucial for a smooth design process, yet creating the right agreement can be overwhelming. 

In today’s episode of The Affluent Creative, I will walk you through my process for what to include in your letter of agreement to protect your profits while providing the clarity and confidence that your clients need.

➡️Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#designcontract #interiordesignerslife #interiordesignerslifestyle #designagreement #businessofhome #businessofdesign #interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #ASID #IDS #IFDA #iloveids #interiordesignbusinesstips #interiordesignbusinesscoaching #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignbusinessmentor #interiordesigncoach #scopeofwork #peaceofmind #interiordesignreels #businessreels #melissagalt #interiordesignscottsdale #arizonainteriordesigner #chicagointeriordesigner #newyorkinteriordesigners
When client inquiries start to dry up, the kneejer When client inquiries start to dry up, the kneejerk response for many designers is to go straight to panic mode. Economic uncertainties are bound to happen, but they shouldn’t dictate the trajectory of your creative business. 

➡️ What you think about you bring about–and if you’re thinking only about the worst, that is all you’ll see! 

Tune into today’s episode of The Affluent Creative for my strategies for maintaining positivity and stability even in an economic downturn.

🎙️Listen In → Episode 52. 
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #successcoaching #successbydesign #bestpodcast #podcastrecommendation #designinfluencer #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #commercialdesigner #residentialdesigner #creativebusinesscoach #instapodcasts #interiordesignbusinessmentor #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignerlife❤️
In an ever-changing world, understanding how to th In an ever-changing world, understanding how to thrive as a creative in any economy is essential. 

➡️ This week on The Affluent Creative, I am diving into the importance of networking, knowing your numbers, and staying positive when you are faced with an inquiry dry spell. 

Tune in to learn how to navigate economic uncertainty and emerge victorious.

Listen In → Episode 53. 
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#referrals #businessreferrals #interiordesignpodcast #referralsarethebestcompliment #designinfluencer #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignbusinessmentor #interiordesignpodcast #interiordesignfirm #interiordesignbusinesstips #podcastrecommendations #tothetrade #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #residentialdesigner #commercialdesigner #bestpodcasts #podcastersoninstagram #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative
🗣️Word of Mouth marketing is limited and unpr 🗣️Word of Mouth marketing is limited and unpredictable particularly when economic uncertainty is happening. 

Igniting reliable marketing engines that run inside your business 24/7/365 is the key to keeping your profit pipeline filled. 

Find out how you can claim your very own marketing scorecard and take charge of your pipeline here.
.
.
.
.
.
#interiordesignpodcast #interiordesignbusinesscoach #creativebusinesspodcast #businessofcreativity #businessofdesign #podcastlife #podcaster #instapodcast #instapodcasts #theaffluentcreative #successcoaching #interiordesigncommunity #designinfluencer #melissagalt #interiordesignmarketing #interiordesignbusinesstips #interiordesignfirm #marketingfordesigners #marketingdesign #marketingdesigner
➡️ There are 20 Keys to Effective Client Commu ➡️ There are 20 Keys to Effective Client Communication. You’re likely doing over half of them already, but ARE YOU USING ALL OF THEM? 

Check and see by tuning into Episode 34 on the podcast, The Affluent Creative. #linkinbio 
.
.
.
.
.
#clientcommunication #interiordesignclients #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignprofessional #interiordesignhelp #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #residentialdesigners #designquotes #designentrepreneur #interiordesigncompany #atlantainteriordesigner #newyorkinteriordesigner #cincinnatiinteriordesigner
#theaffluentcreative #melissagalt #interiordesignpodcast
Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • Work with Me
  • About
  • PODCAST
  • Terms
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 · Melissa Galt · Site Design by FGD